Notice how I said YOUR wedding?!

There are many types of wedding planners and they are called many things – from Bridal Consultant and Event Planner to Event Designer, Event Coordinator and many more.  It doesn’t matter what your wedding planner is called – what matters is what your wedding planner does and their background.

When you meet with a wedding planner there are a few questions you need to ask.  Here is a great list to get you started.  This list would also be great for almost any vendor.  Please do not leave your entire wedding day to be dependent on someone who is not 100% qualified.

  • How long has you been doing weddings?

Make sure this does not include their own wedding and that of a few friends.  This could be one of the most important questions to ask any vendor.

  • How long will you be with me on my wedding day?

Some planners know that your wedding day could be a 16 hr. day.  Others may only be there to get you down the aisle and start your reception.  It is very important to know what type of service you will receive on your actual wedding day.

  • What made you want to be a wedding planner?

I love this question.  No Joke- I love when a bride asks me this!  I think it shows in the way that my face lights up that I love what I do.  This is an important questions because an answer like “I planned my own wedding, my sister’s wedding or a friends wedding…. ” could spell disaster!  Why?  Just make sure you are not their first wedding outside of family and friends.

  • What makes you stand out from other wedding planners?

Everyone should know their competition and have an answer waiting for this at all times.  There are plenty of wedding and event planners out there, but only one that is perfect for you!

  • Are you certified? If so, with what organization?

This will show that the vendor you are interviewing is serious about what they do and this is not just a glorified hobby.

  • Have you won any awards? Been recognized throughout your industry?

This will indicate his/her concern for staying on top of the latest trends and styles, as well as recognizing the importance of continued education.

Hope this little list of questions to ask will help you in your search for the perfect wedding planner.  If you happen to be looking in the Lexington, KY or Louisville, KY market then give us a call.  I am sure you will not be disappointed!

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18

Sep

You get what you pay for…

vendors // 2 Comments

I love a good bargain! I will be the first to admit that I love to shop and when I get an email or text about the latest sale over at Macy’s I am in my car before I can finish reading it. No joke. Now while I admit I may have a shopping “issue”, I will say that one thing I have learned is that Quality far exceeds the value of Quantity. What does this mean? Well if I pay $100 for a designer pair of jeans that will last me 3-4 seasons, this is a much better deal than paying $35-50 for a low-end pair of jeans every year. The same thing applies to every aspect of your life. I admit there are some great bargins out there right now! Especially on designer goods- which when taken care of will pay for itself over time.

So I ask, why would you skimp on the most important day of your life? A Quality wedding vendor can and will save you time, money and worry. When you purchase a designer handbag you do not worry about the threading coming undone, but you may if you skimp and buy the knockoff. Understand?

Everyone knows that the economy is not in the best place right now, but this is not a time to “bargain” with your wedding vendors. It is time to know and appreciate their value. You would never think to ask Gucci for a discount on their latest and most popular design. Nor would you ask Macy’s if you can receive an additional discount because you got there first.

Realize that every wedding vendor does this because they love the business AND because they have a family to support, business expenses to cover and other employees that must be paid.

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13

Jul

So in love..

Uncategorized // 2 Comments

Love.  Where do I begin.

I have a wonderful husband that I adore and love with all of my heart!

I have a fabulous support team of family and friends that I cherish and love!

I have a career that I cannot get enough of and love every minute of it!

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But when I saw this dress… my heart skipped a beat.  No seriously- this dress was made for me.  Granted my waist is not as small as it needs to be to fit into this fabulous frock but I have been dreaming of this dress ever since I first laid my eyes on it.  The details, the color and the design!  Ceil Chapman you are a masterpiece yourself and I can only dream of owning this stunning creation.

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You can check out this simply stunning gown and many other vintage beauty’s at the Etsy.com store of Timeless Vixen Vintage.  Go Now! ;)

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25

Jun

Thursday Thought of the Day!

General // No Comments

This is one of my FAVORITES!

You know you’re in love when you can’t fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams.
Dr. Suess

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11

Jun

Seriously Love-it!!

General // No Comments

OK, so you already know that I love to shop.  I really do- I LOVE shopping!  There is something about the buggy being so full, or purchasing so much that it takes 2-3 trips to the car!  EEKKK!!  Love-it!

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For some time now I have adored a vintage shop down the road from my office.  Feather Your Nest is a wonderful place to kill an afternoon, redecorate your home or office and even find some pretty fabulous ideas for your upcoming dinner party, wedding or event.  Today, after networking (PURDONS!) and meetings (NEW INTERN!) I found myself at Feather Your Nest.

First off – I crack up at the name.  haha It is too cute!  Then when you walk inside its is a total love fest.  This boutique is filled with china (Love-it!), handpainted furniture, vintage jewelry, clothing, fabulous hats and gloves, tons of unique decor items and more.  I cannot even begin to list everything they offer.  You simply must go for yourself!

I love -it! So much that I am going to do a feature on how to incorporate Vintage into your wedding to create Vintage Couture looks.  So stay on the lookout for some great ideas, pictures and Always Planned creations all from Feather Your Nest.

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I met Marisa several years ago and we have been best friends ever since.  She got married on my birthday and has been like the sister I never had!

1.  Where are you from/background? I was born in Louisville, Ky, but lived in Indiana, and my parents moved to Lexington when I was 2.
2.  What is your favorite …. place to shop, food, drink, etc..  I like to shop at New York & CO., Old Navy, & Walmart. I love to cook just about anything and could drink raspberry lemonade all day!
3.  When did you start with Always Planned?  Oct., 2008
4.  How did you meet Rayna?   I met Rayna in 2004 at a mutual work place/dungeon that drove us crazy for too many years!!
5.  What is your specialty at events/weddings?  I guess my specialty was bar tending??
6.  Favorite part of weddings?  My favorite part of a wedding is watching the bride go down the aisle. Feeding each other cake at the reception is also a fave.
7.  Favorite Wedding?  Anne & Chris’s wedding was beautiful.
8.  Best part of Team AP?  Hanging out with Rayna again, we used to see each other everyday.
9.  Where do you fit in in the Future of AP?  Hopefully as my kids get older I can be more involved with AP.

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02

Jun

Molly The AP Mascot!

General // 1 Comment

My days are filled with vendor meetings, sitting in front of the  computer, arranging glassware, dreaming up new ideas and designs and so on.  Most of the time I have Molly  by my side.  Molly is the best side-kick anyone could have!  If I am stressed from too many emails or staring at a computer too long, Molly is there to snuggle up to me, roll over on my computer, or bring me a toy to throw for her.  She always has the cutest look and she does the cutest things. I just wanted to share one of the little joys in my life.  ;)   Hope your having a great day!

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Maybe you or someone you know is interested in our Fall 2009 Intern Program.  We have been very fortunate with our interns lately and while we hate to see Molly go (at the end of the summer) we are excited to see who may be interested in joining our company.

If you apply, here are some important details:

  • Do not call or send an inquiry via our website.  Clients and vendors call me and potential clients submit an inquiry on my site.  If you want to be associated with Always Planned you must MAIL OR EMAIL ME your cover letter and your resume. No exception.
  • This is a NON-Paid position.  It is best suited for someone working towards a college degree and who will receive credit for the hours or for someone wanting to break into the wedding/event field.
  • You MUST be fun, energetic, organized, detail oriented, creative and patient.  If this is not you- please look into other intern opportunities.

Always Planned is a great company to work for and I look forward to meeting our newest intern!

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I am oh so excited to announce that our floral designs have been featured in the March issue of Southern Kentucky Health and Family Journal!

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There were three pages, but we decided to just add a photo gallery of some of our floral designs.  Enjoy!

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Have I mentioned that I love to play dress up?  Like every girly girl, I adore getting all dolled up – and The Wedding Center, Tres Chic Boutique and Salon Plaza is the perfect place to play dress up!  They have something for every budget and every kind of party you can imagine, you can even get your hair and makeup done on site!

Here are some details about the selections they offer:

Pageant -Gowns and Pageant Coaching, Wardrobe Consultation, Hair and Cosmetic Analysis, Youth/ Teen Pageant Couture, On Site Hair and Cosmetics, as well as Finishing Classes.

PROM – I will not go into my prom fiasco (way back in the day), but the stunning gown selection will be sure to WOW your date and pretty much anyone that will see you.  ;)

Bonus info: “Tres Chic Trade-In Program”
Beginning March 14th , prom girls can bring in one gently worn Prom gown no older than 2 years and receive $100.00 off their new purchase of a 2009 Prom Gown!

Derby/Special Occasion -FUN, FUN, FUN!

Bonus Info: You can seriously wear the same designers that the stars are wearing on Dancing With The Stars, America’s Next Top Model, The Emmy’s, Oscar’s and more!  Check out such names as Dalia, Mac Dougal Couture, Envi Designs and the new woman’s line Fabulouss!!

Bridal – For the most fabulous day of your life you should wear the most fabulous gown and accessories.  That is why you MUST go to The Wedding Center.  They have something for every bride, it doesn’t matter what your budget it, your size is or your style is. They also have tuxes, bridesmaids and mothers gowns.

Bonus Info: No time to place a special order?  No worries, you can even purchase a gown off the rack.

I honestly could go on and on…. but I think you should just check them out for yourself.  This weekend is the perfect time!

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Available starting tomorrow Thursday March 12th through Sunday March 15th Justin Alexander Couture Bridal Trunk Show – including the lavish fabrics and unique designs of the 2009 spring collection.

Important Info:

  • 258 Plaza Drive, at the intersection of Southland Drive & Regency Road
  • Hours are Monday to Thursday 12 to 7
  • Friday and Saturday 10 to 5
  • Sunday 1 to 5
  • Please call for an appointment. 859.278.3765
  • www.theweddingcenterinc.com
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